ODE Finalizes Action Plan for the Education Accountability Act
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has finalized its
action plan to implement the 2025 Education Accountability Act (Senate Bill 141), an important step forward in our collective work to improve student success statewide.
This new accountability system is grounded in shared responsibility, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to equitable, measurable outcomes for every student. It moves Oregon beyond compliance-based reporting and toward a support-first approach that uses multiple measures that matter—like attendance, academic growth, and locally selected indicators.
Now that the implementation plan is complete, we’re moving into the next phase: putting the plan into action. This includes:
- Launching early rulemaking processes and resource development
- Beginning district engagement to shape tools and supports
- Preparing the groundwork for improved reporting and transparency
We recognize that success depends on strong partnerships—and we’re eager to begin working with districts, education partners, community organizations, families, and Tribal and equity partners to bring this new system to life.
We’ll be sharing regular updates, helpful materials and opportunities for engagement and input in the coming months. Thank you for your continued partnership in making Oregon’s education system stronger, more responsive and more accountable to the students we all serve.
2025 Legislative Summary Released
The 2025 Legislative Session has come to a close in Oregon, with the House and the Senate concluding their business on Friday, June 27th, two days shy of the constitutional sine die of June 29th. While many difficult decisions were made by the Legislature with less than anticipated revenue and federal funding uncertainty, the Oregon Department of Education achieved key wins that ranged from technical improvements to transformative policy changes.
Read about the new laws affecting education in the 2025 Legislative Summary.
These bills represent the collective work of so many, pushing every layer of the education system to better serve each of our students. They are not just statute changes, but reflect the effort to more clearly define what responsibilities we each hold in the effort to educate the next generation.
Thank you again for your time, energy, and dedication. Together, we’re building a better future for Oregon’s students.
August Is National Immunization Awareness Month
(Message provided by the Oregon Health Authority)
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.
Schools play an important role in helping children stay up to date on routine vaccines. Are you curious about the school vaccination rates in your community? Check out the
Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA’s) new school immunization dashboard.
This year, OHA completed a clean-up and reorganization of the
school and child care immunization administrative rules. Several changes will impact schools this coming academic year:
- Starting August 1, 2025, physicians will now fill out a form rather than write a letter for a medical exemption. Any parent/guardian looking to obtain a new medical exemption for their child must submit to the school a completed
Oregon Medical Exemption form.
- Exclusion Day moves from the third Wednesday in February to the fourth Wednesday in February.
- Children with a history of varicella (chickenpox) disease now need health care provider verification or a lab test instead of parent verification for immunity documentation.
Want to know more about school immunizations? Check out the
Oregon Immunization website, recently updated
Immunization Law Handbook, and
frequently asked questions about the administrative rule changes.
Wildfire Information Available Online
Wildfires are once again impacting communities across Oregon, and we are now beginning to see air quality advisories related to wildfire smoke. Multiple state agencies are working together to share
the most current information online about wildfire activity. Additionally, the
Oregon Smoke Information website is a joint effort among local, state, tribal, and federal partners to provide coordinated updates and resources on wildfire smoke affecting Oregon communities.
Educator Advancement Council Welcomes New Directors, Prepares for September Meeting
Oregon’s Educator Advancement Council (EAC) is excited to welcome three new members who will help guide the future of education in our state. Mandy Vance, a middle school teacher; Jenoge Khatter, a high school teacher; and Marty Perez, a K–12 school administrator, have joined the Council to represent the voices of educators working directly with students and families every day.
The EAC, established by Senate Bill 182 in 2017, is a statewide council made up of teachers, administrators, statewide partners and community leaders. Their main goal? To make sure every child in Oregon has access to highly qualified and culturally responsive educators through various statewide programs and initiatives.
The next EAC meeting will take place in person at the Willamette Education Service District on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Council members and partners will come together to strengthen statewide efforts to support teachers and improve education for all Oregon students.
To learn more about the EAC and its ongoing initiatives, visit the EAC website.
Two New Faces In ODE Leadership
This summer, ODE made a few changes to its senior leadership team and organizational structure, transitioning to a two-deputy leadership model under our Director, Dr. Charlene Williams. ODE welcomed Dr. Candice Castillo as the new Deputy Director of Academics on August 4, while Dr. Tenneal Wetherell serves as the Deputy Director of Operations (the Chief of Staff position she formerly held is now retired). ODE will also welcome Lindsay Baker as the new Strategic Initiatives Director on August 11.
Candice Castillo, Ed.D., Deputy Director of Academics
Dr. Castillo is an accomplished education leader—with both state-level executive experience and local K-12 experience—who is dedicated to eliminating barriers and expanding opportunities for students. As Deputy Secretary for the New Mexico Public Education Department, she had oversight of initiatives impacting over 309,000 students, including at-risk programs, culturally responsive education, attendance improvement, community engagement, and safe and healthy schools. Previously, she led student support services for the Houston Independent School District—the eighth-largest district in the nation—where she managed wraparound services, telehealth, and the district’s nationally recognized COVID-19 response.
Dr. Castillo’s work is grounded in supporting the whole student to increase access to opportunities and resources and provide safe and supportive school environments where every student is prepared to learn and thrive. She holds a Doctorate in Ethical Leadership, an MBA in Global Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She also serves on several education leadership boards and continuously champions access and transformational change in education.
Dr. Castillo brings with her a history in leading and developing high-performing teams, improving student outcomes, fostering community engagement, and advancing strategic initiatives focused on outcomes, equity, and excellence. We are excited for the expertise, leadership, and vision she brings to this critical role at a pivotal time.
Lindsay Baker, Strategic Initiatives Director
Lindsay Baker joins ODE from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) where she served as Assistant Director for External Relations. Originally from Texas, she’s a proud transplant to the Pacific Northwest. Her state service extends back over a decade, including holding various positions in the Oregon Legislative Assembly, the Department of Administrative Services, the Office of the Governor, and ODOT. Lindsay holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, cooking, and paddling Oregon’s waterways.
As Strategic Initiatives Director, Lindsay will lead critical cross-agency organizational advancement efforts, including strategic planning and ODE’s implementation of the Education Accountability Act (SB 141). Day-to-day, she will oversee the Government & Legal Affairs team; the Government Relations & External Affairs Team; and the Communications Team.
Lindsay brings with her a strong track record of strategic planning, managing high-profile agency initiatives, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and navigating politically complex issues.
Lindsay’s first day at ODE will be August 11, 2025.